Friday 30 January 2009

Just for fun

I don't believe in horoscope but it's fun if you read positive things and what's listed below is one of them.

Monkey Outlook for 2009

This year offers the Monkey some opportunities to go far with your talents. The Monkey's generous nature may leave you stretched in several different directions, so it is important to stay focused in order to achieve the goals you have set for yourself this year. You will be given the opportunity to impress the right people both in business, as well as in your personal life. Don't hold back this year, for this could be one that will leave an impression over the course of the next few years.

Monkey Rating
49% (4 favorable and 5 neutral and 3 unfavorable months)

Monkey Career
Great strides can be made in your career this year. Timing is everything and in your case, time is on your side. You will be in the right place at the right time to impress the decision makers in your career. The steady Ox rewards those with strong work ethics and the Monkey will surely reap the benefits of your labor. Don't hesitate to do anything that will aid your skills and benefit your position.

Monkey Relationships
This could be a busy year for you domestically. Look to your family for the encouragement and support you need. On the same token, it is important for you to listen and heed the advice of those who care. Your social life is active filled with plenty of opportunities to make new friends. Don't forget the ones that have been with you through the rough times, as it is just as important to offer your time with your existing relations.

Monkey Health
Take note that there are several high points to your year. With such a busy social year, you may stretch yourself thin with your health. Be aware of your energy levels throughout the year, as you may need some added rest to counter your affairs. It would be wise to take an active part in your health, taking up a new form of exercise that follows your interests: martial arts or dancing are two good possibilities.

Monkey Wealth
This could be a great year for the Monkey financially. You will possibly make great gains in this area throughout the year. Due to your generous nature, you may have a difficult time refraining from giving to others. Be mindful of this and make sure you give to yourself every once in a while because you deserve it.

Try yours, it's fun...

Monday 26 January 2009

Dream on

The kids are wildly cheering after they saw their Daddy at the airport. We then rode the new SUV that Lito drove to fetch us. I saw the beauty of Spring in the streets on our way to our new home in our land of new beginnings. As we approach our new house and heard the door opens, it was not the door of the house but the door of our room here in Pinas, I was dreaming again...

I can't say how frustrated I am now but I am patiently waiting for our visa. It's been 6 months since I last heard from the embassy and the website says, the processing time takes about 6 months. My life here is on hold until I get hold of my passport with the approved Canadian visa (Permanent Resident).

I just wish I can still dream while waiting.

Friday 23 January 2009

Rollercoaster dream

I just came back to work this week, been busy catching up and had this strange dream. I was riding on a rollercoaster, I remember I was on the first car and I was screaming on the first drop. What's frightening is that the scene turned black and I was suddenly on another zone parang forest and I remember touching the leaves and branches and screaming for help...I wonder what the dream meant?

Here's what I found: Dreaming about a roller coaster ride seems to symbolize the emotional ups and downs that a person is experiencing. Although, this ride can be fun, it can also seem out-of-control and even be a frightening experience. As a dream symbols it suggests that the dreamer may need to achieve greater emotional balance. The sever changes in mood and temperament are draining and unproductive and maybe highlighted by the roller coaster dream. If the dream is feeling emotionally flat and apathetic, then this dream may be a form of compensation.

Tuesday 20 January 2009

New set of dream interpretation

It's been a while since I was able to document my dreams and search on its interpretation. Maybe it's because I'm back at work and there's so much going on in my mind that these dreams started to linger. Here's what I dreamt last night: I was with a group of people and we were riding a carriage and passed by a village of glass houses with old women in it.

Glass House - To see a glass house, foretells you are likely to be injured by listening to flattery.

Old Women / Old people - Old people in dreams represent wisdom and maturity. They may appear in our dreams at times of confusion and lack of direction, or when we need consultation and help in decision-making. I guess this may have something to do with my career/immigration dilemna.

Carriage - To see a carriage, implies that you will be gratified, and that you will make visits.

To ride in one, you will have a sickness that will soon pass, and you will enjoy health and advantageous positions.

Village - To dream that you are in a village, denotes that you will enjoy good health and find yourself fortunately provided for.

Well, the meanings do not match or are not interrelated but most of them somehow give some guidance in my thoughts at the moment.

Monday 19 January 2009

My breastfeeding experience and a lot more

I tried breastfeeding on Aloysius but had low milk supply, it only lasted for a week and had to rely on the formula for his feeding. In my second child Achilles, I was a bit successful in breastfeeding. I was able to nurse him until I was back to work which is only two months. The moment I was able to buy a breast pump, the milk supply had dried and I had no choice but to go back to formula milk. Now that I'm able to successfully produce more milk and having learned that breast milk is the best, I want my Alexus to enjoy it hopefully at least until 6 months or until it dries up again. My other working mommy friends attest that using a breastpump prolong and help in producing more milk. Now that I'm back to work, I consider buying a breastpump.

Since there is a wide range of brands and styles of breastpump to choose from, it helps to use a buying guide. I found one that gives you the pros and cons on the types of breastpumps. It even has notes on safety and lists of top manufacturers. I was particularly interested in Manual breast pumps and the site provided photos and information on each product, the price and the stores where it is available.

The links provided in the site also enlightened me on some issues and concerns on breastfeeding.

Saturday 3 January 2009

Last glimpse at 2008, welcome 2009

I was reading my very first entry for year 2008 and I'm thankful that most of it, and a lot more have been realized.

Here are the highlights of my life in 2008:

1. My first US trip (Texas, New York City and Upstate, Sanfo California) - Although the transfer/temporary work assignment didn't push through, I was glad to have met those I'm working with thru conference calls and emails. Having seen them personally made our working relationship smoother and better. I also enjoyed seeing the different attractions these states offered.

2. Lito's move to Canada - After waiting for over 5 years, the immigration has finally been approved but we're yet to follow. The second half of the year was stressful for us because of the suspense on when would our visa will be granted until the time expires for a pregnant to fly. We are still adjusting but we're hopeful that our family won't be separated for long.

3. World crisis, work crisis - the economic slowdown made our company decide on spinning off other subsidiaries including the one I was connected with. It was hard to be transferred again and be separated from those you have worked with for over a year. But the change is inevitable, we just keep the good working relationship and other values we have learned in the previous company.

4. Travel - although the Disney trip didn't materialize, my family enjoyed the Baguio vacation. Aloysius just learned the different tourist attractions in the Philippines and I was happy that he was able to tell his teacher and classmates that he's already been to these spots. I hope he will also remember the beauty of his homeland before he goes to Canada.

5. Alexus Mitchel - this is the biggest surprise of my life. While in the US, I learned I was having my 3rd child and that meant giving up the L-visa that my employer was offering. The baby is a blessing and it was worth every change or omission of other things in my life. Each one of us have a calling, mine's have to be motherhood and I'm blessed to be one.

Now what's in store for 2009? I'm just clueless and I would have to say, bring it on. God is good!

Thursday 1 January 2009

Going Home and other Baguio treats

We headed home in the morning and took the Marcos Highway route, we love the scenery. This is the real “fog you” experience. We were above the clouds. Amazing!


Here I included must-try places and food in your next visit to Baguio.

Luisa’s Café along Session Road – I love their Siopao, the filling is so tasty, you will forget about the other siopao you have tried. We also love their steamed cake, not too sweet but tasty.

Café by the Ruins (Abanao Ext. near Kisad) – we were not able to dine here during this visit, the place is packed but if it weren’t for our aching stomachs we could have waited a little longer and enjoyed the nice ambience and the must-try pinikpikan – one fo their specialties.

Emilrose Grille (Scout Barrio) – when in the vicinity of Camp John Hay or going to PMA, you will pass by EmilRose along Scout Barrio. The food is comparable to Dencio’s and Gerry’s but the price is value for money. The serving is enough for big groups. Sarap!

Benguet Coffee (Baguio City Market) – One of our companions, had to buy 7 kilos of Benguet Coffee beans and we can’t blame her because just smelling the aroma of the bags from our room, gives you a idea how good it must be. Tita Joyce will have to invite us to her place to try the coffee.

Sagada Oranges – 3 big pieces is already 2 kilograms. The huge orange (slightly smaller than pomelo) tastes sweet and juicy, but the best part is it’s being seedless. There are lots of Sagada Orange vendors roaming around the tourist spots like Mines View and Botanical Garden that offers free taste and you wouldn’t want to miss it. Of course, the Sagada Orange is worth bringing to Manila, you have to buy at least 10 kilos.

SM City Baguio – who would have missed the big mall in the middle of the city. This SM version of Henry Sy suits the location and weather of the city. The mall doesn’t need aircon. The top floor and al fresco-dining restos offer good views of the city. Sometimes you get to see and feel the fog up to your sleeves. A must-try malling experience.

Day 4 - Botanical Gardens, Good Shepherd, Mines View, The Mansion

THE MANSION

GOOD SHEPHERD

MINES VIEW PARK



BOTANICAL GARDENS